Reactions to Gore's Nobel win

As progressives all over the United States and the world celebrate the awarding of the Nobel Peace Prize to Al Gore and the IPCC, leaders and media outlets everywhere are reacting to the news.

First, an excerpt from a terrific Reuters analysis:

The Nobel Peace Prize he won on Friday was a blow to U.S. President George W. Bush and his widely criticized environmental policy and will long be savored by the man who lost the bitter 2000 presidential election by a whisker.

The honor was bestowed jointly on the former vice president and the U.N. climate panel for campaigning against the threat of global warming, in a not-so-subtle swipe at Bush, a latecomer to the battle against climate change.

It may also be interpreted as a part of an international backlash not only against seven years of what many see as environmental backsliding under Bush but also against his Iraq war policy and perceived arrogance in world affairs.

"The Nobel Committee's recognition of Vice President Gore shines a bright light on the most inconvenient truth of all -- the selection of George Bush as president has endangered the peace and prosperity of the entire planet," said fellow Democrat John Edwards, a 2008 White House contender.

Speaker Nancy Pelosi:

Al Gore sounded a clarion call that awakened the world to the very real threat of global warming. He has performed an invaluable service to humanity that is more than worthy of the Nobel Peace Prize.

Through his ground-breaking film, 'An Inconvenient Truth,' his lectures, books, concerts, and many other activities, Al Gore has done more to educate the public on the dangers of climate change – and on the positive steps we can take to prevent it – than any other individual.

Vice President Gore’s public advocacy and the scientific efforts of Dr. Rajenda Pachauri and the United Nations Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change have opened the world’s eyes and removed any doubt that the climate crisis threatens our world and our children’s future.

The United States must now act. The New Direction Congress is completing work on a landmark energy bill that is our first step toward addressing global climate change. Soon after, the House will consider 'cap-and-trade' legislation that will greatly reduce greenhouse gas emissions. I hope President Bush will join us in our efforts and help the United States take a global leadership role in combating the climate crisis. We have no time to waste.

President Bill Clinton:

Al Gore has been warning and educating us about the dangers of climate change for decades. He saw this coming before others in public life and never stopped pushing for action to save our planet, even in the face of public indifference and attacks from those determined to defend the indefensible. ... I am thrilled by this well-deserved recognition.

Senator Chris Dodd:

As today's announcement confirms, reversing the effects of global warming is an issue of global justice and security. Al's tireless efforts to increase awareness of the threats of global warming have provided a powerful voice telling the world that we need to act now.

Governor Bill Richardson:

Vice President Al Gore has a remarkable record of public service. For over 20 years, he has been dedicated to fighting global warming for our nation and the world. His Nobel Prize is well-deserved. This prize is important, not only in recognition of Vice President Gore's extraordinary achievements, but also in acknowledgment of the importance of fighting global climate change

Chairman Howard Dean:

No other person has worked harder or done more to draw much needed attention to the crisis of global climate change, one of the most critical issues facing our planet. Future generations will thank him for his work to save our way of life.

Senator Hillary Clinton:

Congratulations to Al Gore for his well-deserved Nobel Peace Prize. His dedication and tireless work have been instrumental in raising international awareness about global warming.

The Secretary General of the United Nations:

Hailing the award of 2007 Nobel Peace Prize to former US Vice-President Al Gore and a UN panel on climate change, Secretary General Ban Ki Moon on Friday urged governments to build on the momentum they have generated by adopting a new set of binding commitments to contain greenhouse gas emissions.

Gore and the Inter-Governmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) headed by India's R K Pachauri were awarded the prize for their efforts to spread awareness of man-made climate change and lay foundation for countering it.

In a statement, Ban paid tribute to Gore's "exceptional commitment and conviction, as an example of the crucial role that individuals and civil society can play in encouraging multilateral responses to global issues."

His spokesperson said Ban "rejoices with the IPCC, and its co-sponsors, the United Nations Environment Programme and the World Meteorological Organization."

I will post more reactions as we get them.